Verizon implements one-year paid-service requirement for unlocks
Verizon has moved to require customers to have 365 days of paid service on their account before the carrier will process a device-unlock request, a policy shift that changes how and when customers can free their phones for use on other networks. The change, reflected in Verizon’s customer support materials and communicated to some subscribers, affects postpaid devices subject to the carrier’s device financing and eligibility rules.
What changed and why it matters
The practical effect of Verizon’s new rule is straightforward: customers who want their devices unlocked — so they can sell them, use them on another U.S. carrier or take them overseas with a local SIM — will now generally need to wait a full year of uninterrupted paid service before requesting the unlock. Unlocking a phone removes the carrier SIM lock that restricts which wireless networks a device can join.
Verizon and other major carriers have historically tied unlock eligibility to factors such as whether a device is fully paid off, whether the account is in good standing, and whether the device has been reported lost or stolen. A one-year waiting period represents a longer minimum service requirement than many consumers have come to expect and may slow the secondhand device market and complicate travel plans for subscribers who buy devices outright or via installment plans.
Background and regulatory context
The right of consumers to unlock phones in the U.S. is governed by a combination of federal law and carrier policy. The Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act (2014) restored consumers’ rights to unlock devices, but it also allowed carriers to impose reasonable eligibility conditions — for example, that a device be fully paid and not reported stolen. Regulators, consumer advocates and state attorneys general have periodically scrutinized carrier practices to ensure they do not run afoul of consumer-protection statutes.
Carriers, including Verizon, cite fraud prevention, protection of installment and lease programs, and the need to limit stolen-device resale as reasons to restrict unlocks. The carrier’s device-payment and protection programs — which include installment billing and trade-in credits — create financial incentives for carriers to limit the mobility of financed devices until accounts are settled.
Impact on consumers and resellers
The longer unlock window will have ripple effects across multiple groups. Consumers who planned to buy a device cheaply and immediately switch networks or use it abroad will face delays. Used-device marketplaces and trade-in services may see inventory flow slow, and prices for locked devices could be affected if buyers value the inability to switch carriers. Frequent international travelers who purchase a handset in the U.S. often rely on unlocking to use local SIM cards abroad; they may need to rely on rental phones or temporary solutions while waiting out the eligibility period.
Resellers and platforms such as eBay, Swappa and Gazelle regularly advise buyers to confirm unlock status before purchase; a year-long lock requirement changes timelines and due diligence. Some buyers may opt to purchase fully unlocked devices directly from manufacturers such as Apple or Samsung to avoid carrier restrictions.
Industry reaction and analysis
Industry observers note this move appears aimed at reducing churn and protecting revenue tied to device-financing programs. A longer restriction period makes it harder for customers to buy a device, quickly unlock it and resell it, which can be attractive to fraud rings and to consumers seeking to arbitrage carrier promotions.
At the same time, consumer-rights advocates warn that extended lock windows can limit competition and consumer choice. If other major U.S. carriers do not match Verizon’s policy, the move could drive some customers to competitors or to unlocked-offer channels. Regulatory scrutiny is possible if the policy is viewed as unduly restrictive or inconsistent with established unlocking rules.
What customers can do
Customers impacted by the change should check Verizon’s official support pages and their account statements for the exact eligibility criteria and any exceptions (for example, devices paid in full or accounts with specific standing). Consumers who need a phone unlocked sooner can explore options such as paying off the remaining device balance, purchasing an unlocked device from the manufacturer, or contacting customer service for case-by-case review. For sellers, clearly disclosing unlock status will remain important to maintain buyer trust.
For now, the policy represents a shift in how carriers manage device mobility and underlines the importance of reading fine print on device-payment plans. Watch for follow-up clarifications from Verizon and for any responses from competitors or regulators in the coming weeks.
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